Loving the cool and freshness that autumn brings

The cooler temperatures herald the first visual signs, when Papatūānuku begins her show, it’s her in the spotlight, with the changes in light colour and angle we know and expect to bring out her best.

With the change in season, are too, the daylight hours that dwindle, meaning longer sleeps all being well, and as we warriors and all those of us photogs out there get a little extra shut eye. Though, more travelling in the dark hours does kinda come with this territory, just to be onsite; on location for the sunrise.

The autumn light is uniquely special, and well worth the dark hour extraction to wait in the icy cold to be on scene to see such beauty as it unfolds in this beautiful warm light.

While waiting; . . . resident wetland avian life has gotten the time to be used to these extras around and have relaxed; and when the sun hits the inevitable water surfaces, wee mistynesses rise in micro thermals, while unseen piscean life comes alive to feast on the solar heated bug life so the water bubbles and splashes to this frenzied feeding feast.

There’s times when the feathers n fins collide when focussed on the same breakfast bug. When this occurs, the wetted feathered species has to regain altitude with attitude, promptly, before it in turn becomes untinned tuna, eel, or trout brekky. This of course is size dependent as the larger feathered friends are relatively safe to regain their respective roosts.

It is this we must always achieve; to be able to pick ourselves up, unaided, and – not necessarily as quickly-, to continue the battle. Yes, there are disappointments and tougher rougher days than most. There shall always be an ever-increasing amount of time spent uncomfortable as weeks become years in the blink of a season, this is mortality.

The good times we must fight for more than others, but the rewards are there for those that make it. The achievable goals we set and go for must be tangible, and the greater the effort, the rewards are equally more satisfying.

The sights and sounds are perceived to be sharper, clearer, and varied, with the scents and smells richer, more identifiable, and generally, the reality is that we are more aware of what’s there around us as we immerse ourselves into where we are.

The journeys to and from shared with a loved one can be perfect. Even more special when lived apart a lot, so in guaranteed seclusion, thoughts, dreams, and aspirations can be shared, inspirations inspired. This leads to paths less travelled, locations can be from memories past, or those yet to be determined, life together focussed outward on the other.

Enjoy autumn. Be yourself, be strong, take the focus outwards as this lessens the pain by spreading the intensity, so to enjoy each day the best possible, and make those journeys now, not later. Later has a habit of being always just over the horizon.

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Queries about benefit entitlements? This webinar outlines the benefits that may be available for people affected by arthritis. This will include: Disability Allowance Supported Living Sole parent Jobseeker Support The webinar is led by Anne Hawker, Principal Advisor Disability, Ministry of Social De...

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Best-selling author @sinead_moriarty writes powerfully about living with rheumatoid arthritis in today's @Indo_LIFE. Sinead is #MyRAstory Ambassador, which is inviting people to share their stories of what it's like to live with RA. https://t.co/RIYuxDVemU